Moonlighting takes on a whole new meaning …

The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. ~Attributed to both Vidal Sassoon and Donald Kendall

Back in the day, it was so common for parents to work more than one job to make ends meet. Many moms stayed at home and dads worked two – maybe three – jobs to meet the needs of the family. It was expected and very common.

Things changed with the growth of more two wage earner families where the mom and dad both worked. Fewer and fewer worked two jobs. The family dynamic changed as well. Many say for the better; some say not. I guess that is up to the family.

Now moonlighting is back …

Seven million – yes seven million – families now have one member of the family working more than one job to make ends meet as a result of the recession, higher costs, healthcare costs and lower wages in many cases, as reported by the Today Show on August 25th. This is the highest number seen in decades, and experts feel it will continue to go up. Moonlighting is back – big time – but it is different this time.

Moonlighting can present an opportunity …

Over the past year and a half or so, I have had the privilege of working with more people who wanted to moonlight — but do so to start their own business “on the side” and grow it to be their full-time endeavor. This is referred to a working in a business while working on a business. This is an excellent way to start up an idea, vet an idea and launch without being totally at risk, which for many, just can’t be done. It is so pleasing and exciting to see someone do this, grow their business and then quit their day job to launch full steam. That is a rush!

Moonlighting can also provide you with the opportunity to develop new skills, or “test” a career direction you might have been considering. Perhaps you have had an interest in sales but just sure it would be right for you – moonlight, try it and verify. Perhaps working in a community service agency providing direct service to those in need is in your mind – moonlight and try it out.

Make that second job or business not just for money, but the opportunity to learn, grow, test yourself and explore new options. One caution – just be sure you know if your current employer has any policy restriction on working another job. As well, and this I without saying, never compete with your employer – that will surely get you fired!

Every situation can present an opportunity – if you are open to new ideas. Nothing can beat hard work! And thank you for reading this. -Dan